| A Week at the Wheel | Cambs, England | Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Premium |

Inside & Out:

The i30's likeness to a BMW 1 Series is striking and probably not accidental; indeed similar enough to lead to cases of mistaken identify that require closer inspection to clarify and eliminate doubt, particularly at the rear. However, it is somewhat ironic that it avoids the controversy of the more illustrious brand by selecting many styling cues that give it an identity and omitting many of the more dubious ones. It stops short of being inspirational or trend setting, but it is nonetheless striking and certainly enjoys an air of quality.

Hyundai has obviously invested a considerable amount of time and effort on the interior as well. Offering accommodation to rival all of its mainstream rivals bar VW, the i30's layout, fit and finish are all impressive. Only details such as the appearance and back lighting of the dials, gauges, and centre console and their reflections in the windscreen at night, are obvious weaknesses. Overall it is an impressively rounded package.

Engine & Transmission:

Offering the torque of a 2.0-litre petrol engine combined with the inherent economy benefits of a high tech diesel unit, the 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine in the i30 is a powerplant worthy of comparison with the majority of its rivals. The relatively modest peak power figure of 113bhp is more than offset by the 188lb.ft it boasts between 1,900 and 2,750rpm. Refinement is impressive too; the engine is quiet both inside and outside the car, and economy is strong - an average of 45mpg should be easy to obtain.

Ride & Handling:

Benchmarking of European rivals has had an appreciable positive impact on the i30's overall ride and handling traits. It falls short of taking class honours - Ford's Focus remains the car to beat courtesy of its exceptional dynamics and driving controls - but the i30 runs it closer than you'd expect and at least matches the majority of offerings on the market. Only a slight lack of communication and feedback through the steering and brakes hinders the i30, though its poise, grip and agility will be more than most drivers would ever need.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

Always a strength for Hyundai, there is a definite push upwards in terms of the pricing of the range relative to rivals, but the advantage is retained and it now actually seems even better value given the i30's abilities. The premium equipment level brings with it everything you would expect in terms of specification including leather, electrics and an iPod interface. Good fuel economy and low emissions mean the i30 will be cheap to run too and Hyundai's excellent five-year, unlimited mileage warranty ensures years of peace of mind and trouble free motoring.

Overall:

Hyundai's i30 will truly rattle many of its more established rivals. Boasting attributes that combine to a sum total worthy of favourable comparison with the best in the class it has to be considered a milestone car for Hyundai and Korean manufacturers in general. It deserves to be a success and we expect it will be.